Prokeimenon

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Prokeimenon - A liturgical verse or scriptural passage sung or read before the apostolic reading. It can serve as an introduction to the theme of the particular reading on feast days. On most Sundays, the Prokeimenon of the resurrection, for the tone of the week (from the Octoechos), is chanted.

At the Divine Liturgy, it’s proclaimed after the singing of the Trisagion hymn, when the priest says Peace be unto all! And the reader, in the center of the church, responds, And to thy spirit! The deacon or priest will say: Wisdom!

• Then the reader announce the Prokeimenon and the tone, and then chants the first verse of the Prokeimenon. The choir then repeats this verse.

• Next, the reader intones the second verse, and the choir responds with the original verse.

• If there is no third verse, the reader repeats half on the first verse and the choir responds with the conclusion of that verse.

Other services my have the priest proclaim the Prokeimenon before an Old Testament reading.